When most people think of self-care, they may dream of a long luxurious bath or reading a book in a cozy chair. But what is self-care when you can’t even go to the bathroom with a kid or spouse knocking on the door?
Set boundaries
Boundaries sound like a therapy word, but I think of them as little rules to protect your sanity. Identify something that stresses you out and think about a boundary that you can set. What about 30 minutes of quiet time before bed or no one knocks on the bathroom door when mom is in there.
Be compassionate
Be compassionate with yourself, spouse, kids, neighbors, delivery drivers, nurses, and service workers. Compassion is the concern for the suffering and misfortunes of yourself and others. We are living in a weird time. Nothing quite works as we want it to right now. You don’t have to either. Read about all of the benefits (from health to society) here.
Honor yourself
What in the heck does that mean? Honoring yourself is treating yourself with compassion, understanding, gentleness, forgiveness, and acceptance. It’s completely ok that everything did not get done today, and it’s ok if you come out of this with 10 to 20 extra pounds.
Move
A global pandemic and the onset of an uncertain school year is probably not the best time to start a new diet and exercise routine, but all this time at home may be hurting your body. Listen to your body. Are you drinking enough water and stretching a little when you feel tension?
Ask for help
Early research has shown that in the time of COVID-19, women are picking up the slack. Whether it is at work, at home, education, chores, or errands, more responsibilities are shifting to women. Ask for help from the spouse, kids, family, and friends or contract out some of your work.
2 Green Chicks are here for you if you need us!!